Alejandro Grimaldo’s 88th-minute strike rescued a point for Bayer Leverkusen as they held Newcastle United to a thrilling 2-2 draw at the BayArena in the UEFA Champions League, extending the Magpies’ winless streak against German opposition to four matches (D2, L2).

With just a point separating the two sides ahead of kick-off, the match got off to a lively start, both teams eager to seize the early advantage. Newcastle came close inside five minutes when Harvey Barnes’ low shot was expertly denied by Mark Flekken. However, it was Leverkusen who struck first as Robert Andrich’s header at the back post deflected off Bruno Guimaraes and beyond a helpless Aaron Ramsdale, marking Newcastle’s first concession before half-time in this season’s UCL.

The hosts thought they had a chance to double their lead in the 21st minute when Malick Thiaw pulled back Patrik Schick, but referee Serdar Gozubuyuk ruled the foul just outside the box. Newcastle, grateful to escape, began to find their rhythm, yet Leverkusen continued to threaten, with Jarell Quansah’s powerful effort tipped over by Ramsdale.

The second half saw the visitors, in strong form with seven wins in their last 11 matches across all competitions (D1, L3), increase the pressure. They were handed a golden opportunity to equalize when Flekken fouled Nick Woltemade in the box. Anthony Gordon stepped up and coolly converted the penalty into the bottom-left corner—his third successful spot-kick in as many games—restoring parity.

The final half-hour delivered end-to-end drama. Gordon came close to giving Newcastle the lead with a low strike that rattled the post, while Ernest Poku wasted a promising counter for Leverkusen. Newcastle eventually took the lead in the 74th minute as Gordon’s precise delivery found substitute Lewis Miley, who headed home with composure.

Despite pressing for a third, Newcastle were denied by Flekken’s brilliant save from Thiaw’s header and a powerful Jacob Murphy shot that struck the base of the post. Those missed chances proved costly, as Leverkusen responded in the 88th minute. A slick combination between Aleix Garcia and Ibrahim Maza set up Grimaldo, who finished calmly to secure a crucial point.

The draw keeps Leverkusen’s top-eight hopes alive while Newcastle missed the chance to climb as high as sixth in the table, leaving both sides to reflect on what might have been in a pulsating encounter.